Themed/Meme Posts

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. Surviving a failed marriage and an illness that almost takes her life, high school teacher Mallory Hamilton needs the Ladies Who Lunch more than ever . . .After a year of upheaval, Mallory has had her fill of change—with one exception. Her house is a disaster, and she wants it fixed. Hiring a contractor to finish the projects her ex-husband started will help her banish the past so she can return to the life she had before everything went awry. But her contractor is sexy, sweet, and single, which threatens the peaceful, solitary life Mallory has planned for herself.Ben Carpenter has had a hard time raising his daughter without his ex-wife’s help. His new client’s projects will give him the extra income he needs, not to mention afternoons alone with a gorgeous woman. Though their attraction is undeniable, Ben sees the fear and pain hiding in Mallory’s beautiful eyes. But how can he help her if she won’t let him in? Ben can fix just about anything—but can he fix Mallory’s broken heart?

Why I am waiting:
I adore Sandy James books, I'll be reading this in the very near future.

Jessica’s car goes caput in the middle of a bad storm. She treks to the nearest house, which just happens to be a private bondage club. The owner takes pity on her and lets her inside, provided she signs some paperwork. Jessica is too cold to be able to read the page she’s signing—a bad thing considering she’s an accountant and knows the importance of reading the fine print. What she discovers inside is the arousing world of Doms and subs. But the man who helped her out of the cold, Master Z, is the most arousing of them all.

Let me start off by saying I read romance for the escapism aspect of it. And this book is pure escapism. Why? Because Master Z can read minds.

I don’t mean he can guess what you’re thinking. No, this guy can actually read your mind. He can even get “images” from a person if he’s close enough. On top of that super human feat, he’s so super nice it’s almost ridiculous (but swoon-worthy, yes). He’s hot, successful, probably loaded (we know his trousers sure are) and protective. Yet he’s also all firm in that sexy Dom way and big into rules + fairness. (I love fairness!)

There’s loads of hot sex, some paddling, plenty of bondage, and even a happy ending all crammed into this quick read.

Grab this if you like your escapism to have hot sex, spanks, and a super human Dom in a contemporary setting.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Serial novellas/novels that end in cliffhangers seem to be the “In” thing these days. I’ve acquired quite a few of these freebies (or cheapies) over the past few months and decided to review them so you don’t have to. Fortunately they’re not all bad, or I would have earned my Twitter name (NovelBitch). Here’s the run down in order of when I read them:

Title: Taken by the BillionaireAuthor: Lucinda DuBoisSeries: His Only Desire #1)Format: ebookRelease Date: September 6th 2012Length: Short Story (27 pages)Genre: New Adult/Erotic RomancePrice: Free [Get It]Buy: AmazonRating: 1-starOfficial Blurb:

Inexperienced private investigator Sydney Sellars witnesses a murder while staking out Barton Hintz, a powerful businessman rumored to be into illegal activites. She fears for her life and turns the only person who can help her, who has always helped her, family friend and billionare Remy Merrick.

Brash and powerful, Remy had always been the ojbect of her desire. But the disparity in their statuses and Sydney's own insecurities had always kept them apart. Kept her from allowing herself to be taken. But now, with nowhere and no one else to turn to, Sydney gives in to her desire.

Drea's Review:
I grabbed this free at some point and needed a book to pass the time during intermissions at a show.

From the rate at which the percentages went up each time I changed pages, it was clear this wasn't going to be a lengthy story, which is cool in my book. However, I'd expected some sort of resolution. Not a cliffhanger...that isn't even really a cliffhanger. It's simply a full story stopped at a chapter break and served up in more expensive pieces.

The writing isn't good (as you can tell from the misspelled words in the Goodreads blurb).
The characters are annoying. The plot is super thin. Sydney witnesses a murder but instead of going to the police, she goes "home" (to the mansion she grew up at...with the family that all-but-adopted her) and calls Remy. The hero doesn't immediately call the police either. No, he screws her instead.

Remy is supposedly a playboy who dates supermodels but of course he drops all that so he can have Sydney, finally. The fact that Remy (who is basically her foster brother, so that introduces an element of faux-incest) proclaims he's going to have sex without a condom to prove the heroine is his, and has always been his, took this from a 2.5 star book to a 1.5 star or lower book. I suppose he's meant to be all Alpha and dominant, he comes off as ridiculous instead. His behavior isn't over protective, it's just plain abuse. I don't care to discover what else is in store for them.

Twenty-two year old Faren Mitchell hears the two words that change her abbreviated life forever. They're so final Faren decides she has nothing to lose by seizing every remaining moment of what life has to offer.
Until Faren collides with a motorcycle ridden by billionaire Jared McKenna.
Even the dark secret of her past and catharsis as a physical therapist can't save Faren from the sexual spiral that waits for her in the arms of a man who commits to no one. When circumstances force her to get a second job as an exotic dancer, Faren never imagines how close that choice will bring her to the brink of a new reality she is unequipped to handle.

Drea's Review:
I admit I had no idea what “Dark Romance” was supposed to be. I should have figured it out from the blurb. The cover was to blame for my buying this. Amazon sent this as a suggestion email (damn them) and I hung on to it, debating if I wanted to pay the 99cents to get sucked into a serial. As you can see, I did.

So, yes, Faren does get really bad news. And she does get hit by a motorcycle (when she’s running away from her doctor after hearing bad news). But there’s really no sexual spiral. At least not in this book. All they do is have dinner together. Because she’s a virgin. Yes, a twenty-two year old physical therapist virgin working at a strip club.

There’s absolutely no resolution in ANYTHING. None. We’re left with more questions than we started with.

And at the 65% mark begins a preview for a totally different story. How’s that for getting my 99cents worth?

---SPOILERS---
Major spoilers on this because I can’t properly review it without doing so.
So Faren has a terminal brain tumor. We learn this in the prologue. And Faren’s mother is catatonic because the stepdad beat her nearly to death for protecting Faren from his advances. Faren is paying for Mom to be in a nice facility. But she’s behind on bills and needs more money, enter her BFF Kiki suggesting she work with her at a high class strip bar. That turns into working at a higher class joint where the men get to do more than look (read: lap dances). And the dude who ran her over with the motorcycle owns both places. There’s also a predatory manager at both locations because this story didn’t have enough darkness to it. Oh! And I forgot, one of Faren’s arms is bum. And the cliffhanger? Faren goes up for auction at the higher class joint and guess who wins? It’s not the nice billionaire she hasn’t slept with. Nope. It’s the freaking step father. Da da dum. The end.
---END SPOILERS---

Yeah, no. I’m not paying anything more for this. I give it a 2* because the writing is technically fine. It’s the story’s plot(s) I can’t handle. But the fact that I didn’t understand what Dark Romance is wasn’t the author’s fault. This novella just has way, way too much drama in one book. I could see having one or two of these bad elements, but all of them? That’s just overkill. And not the escapism I crave in my romances.

Nineteen-year old CeCe Mackenzie leaves Virginia for Nashville with not much more to her name than a guitar, a Walker Hound named Hank Junior and an old car she'd inherited from her grandma called Gertrude. But Gertrude ends up on the side of I-40 in flames, and Nashville has never seemed farther away. Help arrives in the form of two Georgia football players headed for the Nashville dream as well. When Holden Ashford and Thomas Franklin stop to offer CeCe and Hank Junior a ride, fate may just give a nod to serendipity and meant to be

Drea's Review:
I opened this one ready to roll my eyes. I’m no country music fan. Not at all. And when the first few paragraphs were all devoted to how the heroine prays, I was ready to check out. I’m glad I stuck through it.

The writing is good, characters engaging and the pace zooms the reader through the novella. Though the story is told in the first person point of view from both CeCe and Holden, this first installment is all about CeCe trying to get back on her feet after everything she has goes up in flames, literally. I was a little disappointed that she goes for the initially jerky guy rather than the amazingly sweet one, but that’s how these things usually go. There are some kisses but no sex, and I was okay with that. Fortunately we get a little resolution, unlike the last serial. And the story ends on an upbeat note.

Who is Sebastian Lock?
The bar Sophia Pearce is in doesn’t look like much. The wine is bad and the decor worse. But when a sudden attack of curiosity leads her to sneak past security and into the back room, she discovers something unimaginable. The most lavish party she’s ever laid eyes on, in the most unlikely of places.
But that’s nothing compared to what comes next, to the man she meets back there. Sebastian Lock. Gorgeous, commanding, and radiating charm, he is exactly the sort of silver-tongued rake Sophia has sworn to avoid. Unfortunately, he doesn’t care much for her promises.
Every instinct tells her to run, but the chemistry between them is as inescapable as gravity. Soon, he’s opening her eyes to a whole new world of pleasures, pleasures she never thought she’d enjoy.
There’s just one problem. Sebastian is more than he seems. Between the famous company he keeps and the almost paranoid secrecy of his employers, he’s a puzzle Sophia can’t quite solve, and his insistence on keeping things casual forces her to confront the demons of her past.
Can she learn to trust again? Or will Sebastian’s privacy tear them apart?
Contains light BDSM, including spanking, restraint, and anal play

Drea's Review:
We’ve got a curious lawyer and a mysterious gorgeous millionaire who want each other the second they meet. Add in some career woes and supportive BFFs and you’ve got a pretty typical light BDSM story. That said, the novella was good escapism. There’s some conflict because Sebastian doesn’t want to be tied down and Sophia has already been burned by a cheating ass. More conflict because she resists his stalker-like advances for a good chunk of the book. And the non-Sebastian related conflict of her stagnant career. There’s just enough drama to keep you interested without it going overboard (I’m looking at you, The Token). The official blurb does a good job of warning you of what is to come, and what isn’t.

Though Layla Grayson loves her job as a financial analyst, she never intended to let it consume her life. But her boss, billionaire Leighton Means, is nothing if not demanding, and Layla finds herself increasingly ensnared by his whims—and by the undeniable attraction she’s finding it harder and harder to suppress.

Layla knows she’s fighting a losing battle, so when a surprising opportunity presents itself, she tempted to take it, even though she knows doing so will spur Leighton’s wrath.
Leighton Means didn’t amass his fortune by playing nice, and he demands loyalty and obedience from his employees. Especially Layla, who, despite her habit of defying him, he has come to rely on. Confronted with the prospect of losing his trusted confidante, Leighton decides he’ll go to any lengths—including seduction—to keep her…
Beneath the Boss.
Book One of the Beneath the Boss series is a 7000 word interracial erotic story features a curvy heroine and her billionaire boss, contains explicit sexual content, and is intended for readers over eighteen

Drea's Review:
I have mixed feelings on this one. The writing is mechanically fine. But I didn’t connect with the character. Layla is a strong heroine, yet she’s managed to get herself in this nearly abusive job situation with Leighton (and his name annoyed the crap out of me, so that didn’t help the situation). No amount of money would persuade me to accept being treated the way he treats her. The fact that she allows it doesn’t mesh with the character that is initially painted. While there’s mention of Layla and Leighton going through a lot together over the years, I can’t see how this heroine would have developed into the strong person she is if she’d had his influence around her for as long as she has. That said, the sexual tension is good. The sex scene is fairly hot. I’m just not into this enough to grab another part.

Grab this one if you've ever fantasized about your asshole boss screwing you against a door.

Have you read any first-in-the-series books lately? Comment below and tell us which ones are good and which ones to stay awaaaayyyy from :D

Friday, April 25, 2014

Shayera Caron is hated in her hamlet (think very small village). Rumpelstiltskin comes to collect his due, and escorts Shayera to his place to face a series of tests. The two have that type of relationship where both are in denial of a sorts. Neither wants to admit they like the other so they dance around each other until it it cannot be helped any longer. While it left me slightly frustrated once or twice, the anticipation is what makes the story. Shayera grows to accept not only herself and her powers, but also the bad boy imp that everyone whispers about.

Rumpelstiltskin is someone I thought I wouldn't ever like. We all know his story, so when I got the chance to read MHall's new book, Rumpel's Prize, I couldn't pass it up. MHall has skills, she makes you love the "villains" we all grew up hearing about. Don't go into it thinking it's going to be some imp making a bargain of spinning straw into gold for some girl. Rumpel's Prize is a fresh take that will leave you wanting a bad boy motorcycle rider of your own. I highly suggest the Kingdom series if you haven't read it yet.

Rumpel's Prize is currently in a box set, which includes 9 full sized stories by various authors, for the insanely cheap price of $0.99. Get it while you can!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies.
He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy's clutches—a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.

Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary.
But Thane's unwavering determination to protect her means she must face her greatest fears—and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

Why I am waiting:I've read book one in this series, and loved it. Book one was my first GShowalter book, and it will not be my last. I love her writing style, hope I enjoy this one as much as the other.

The human race has been devastated. The survivors have
formed territories—cities—run by the Company. In order to rebuild the
population, the Company has made homosexual and deviant sex illegal. Loving the
wrong person is a death sentence. But not all survivors live under the Company’s
rules. Freelanders are free to love who they like and take pleasure how they
want. Company military man Mayce has only known life in the Alpha Territory. He thinks what the
Company wants him to think—that includes believing freelanders are dirty Nomads. And it’s his job to stop insurgents.
Even the gorgeous Nomad Hawke he can’t keep his hands off.

This is the second M/M I’ve read. Ms. Warren’s other book in
this series, In His Command, was the first. So I have no other comparison in
this genre. The sex scenes in this novella are
hot, and plenty explicit. The word choice a bit more aggressive than the M/F
erotic romances I’ve read. That’s to be expected as this is told from male
POVs (both Hawke and Mayce). And don't worry, there's a nice HEA even though it seems like the world is against them.

So why didn't this one get a full five stars?
I wasn't as drawn into the character's voices in this as I was with Caspar's from In His Command. Perhaps it's because with the bouncing POV, and the length of the story, we don't have a lot of time in either male's head. Though there is suspense because this pair is sneaking
around beneath the Company’s nose, I wasn’t biting my nails. That could be billed as a good thing. But I missed having that extra punch in the plot from never truly knowing what was going through one half of the couple's mind. That said, it's still an awesome story :)

Grab this if you want to try a quick & sexy M/M set in a dystopian world.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Here are a few books that will be released this week. What books are you looking forward to?

Golem in My Glovebox - R.L. Naquin
In her role as Aegis, Zoey Donovan has rescued and cared for hundreds of monsters and mythical creatures. Now humans are the ones in need of her help. Someone with a personal vendetta against the Board of Hidden Affairs has kidnapped all the other Aegises in the country--including Zoey's mother.

With the Hidden government in shambles and a string of deadly clues to follow, Zoey and her reaper boyfriend set out on a cross-country chase to stop the kidnapper from killing the captured Aegises. Along the way, they pick up a miniature golem who's on a quest to find his humanity...and may be the key to solving the grisly clues.

If Zoey succeeds in defeating this new evil, she'll finally be reunited with the mother she lost over twenty years ago. But if she fails, she'll become the final victim.

She also didn't count on running into her old flame—and her son's father-turned-country rock star—Travis Bowers, followed by a night of drunken dares. Apparently one of those involved a ring on her finger and a vow … neither of which she intends to keep. Now with a hangover from hell, this good-girl-gone-bad knows there's just one thing to do: run.

Travis has been all over the world, but Gemma has never been far from his thoughts. So when they had the chance to catch up over a few drinks, he didn't hesitate. Of course, he didn't expect it would lead to marriage, or a runaway bride! Travis finally has a second chance and doesn't plan on losing Gemma again—or the son he didn't know he had. He proposes, albeit belatedly, a date. Or rather, a few. If they can make this marriage work by starting over, he stays. If not …

Gemma's not interested; she's got a son to protect and a heart to heal. But having Travis around could make both a little easier. Still, good girls don't date rock stars . . . right?

Slope of Love - Melissa Foster
Olympic gold medalist skiers Jayla Stone and Rush Remington have been best friends for years. They've seen each other at their best and worst and have kept each other's secrets without fail. Only there's one secret Rush has kept close to his chest. After months of introspection, Rush realizes he's been filling his bed but not tending to his heart. He's changed his womanizing ways, and the only woman who can fill his heart has been right by his side all this time.

Years of intimate conversations and the sharing of hopes and dreams collide when Rush reveals his secret, and one toe-curling kiss changes everything between Rush and Jayla. They're no match for the passion that kiss ignites, or the pull of true love. But being Rush's best friend means knowing all about his revolving bedroom door--and Jayla has a secret of her own that could jeopardize her career and her relationship with Rush. Even their love may not be enough to overcome Rush's past or secure Jayla's future.

Invisibility - Andrea Cremer, David Levithan
Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

Someone is trying to kill high priest Morgan Seaton, but the last person he wants protecting him is people-hater Brook Calder—a fellow Water witch from his youth. He values the witches of his coven too much to put them in danger from her shoot-first-ask-questions-later methods. But the head of Neptune’s Rangers assures Morgan that Brook is the best of the best, and attempts on his life are a weekly occurrence, so Morgan has no choice but to accept the help from the one witch he’s never been able to persuade.

If they can stop giving into their scorching desire everywhere—including the back of a limo or the bathroom floor—he might survive long enough to find out who wants him dead.

Excerpt

Morgan had barely kept his hands to himself when the Ranger had joined him and his companions minutes ago. He’d wanted to caress her generous breasts through the silk until her nipples strained for release. He would have settled for a hand at her waist. Touching her had become integral to the success of his evening. That meant Mira had to go.

For her own safety, of course.

Morgan nudged her toward the coat check. “I’ll tell anyone who asks that you came only because I’d asked and your illness sent you home.”

“What illness? I feel fine.” She dug the heels of her designer pumps into the gaudy-patterned carpet. “Really, Morgan—”

“It’s too dangerous,” he said for the seventh time, ignoring the satin fabric beneath his fingers as he pressed her shoulder toward the counter because acknowledging it would invite comparisons to other satin fabrics.

“Whoever it is would be foolish to try anything at a party,” she said.

Was that why Brook had let him walk out without her? Thank the god of the ocean the Ranger couldn’t read his silent irritation that she hadn’t shackled herself to his hip. Or something a little closer to the center.

Morgan scrubbed a hand over his face. “I was nearly shot. In public. I’m taking no chances with anyone.”

“But yourself.”

“As I told you. It would be suspicious if I hid away.”

“That’s ridiculous—”

“And whoever it was would take it out on those I care for.” He hadn’t meant to look Mira in the eye when he spoke the words. No doubt she’d read it as a soulful gaze—one with far more emotion behind it than he meant to broadcast. For a Water witch, Mira was obtuse regarding the emotions of others. But then he had been with her as well.

“Please,” he said with a low sigh. “I take my people’s safety very seriously.”

“But you don’t take your own seriously.”

“I will. In fact, I shouldn’t be away from Brook for long.”

Mira’s eyes narrowed into fine slivers. The drawing sensation coincided with what he’d felt from her the moment he’d spotted her dark head of hair. Jealousy still. Morgan might have assured her there was nothing to concern herself over. He didn’t.

A part of him, initially small but quickly widening with disturbing speed, wanted Brook despite their vast differences. Perhaps because of them.

“Take care, Mira,” he said in distraction when the line opened for his assistant to fetch her things. “I’ll call…”

He didn’t finish his thought because he’d forgotten what it was, if he’d known to begin with. How could he remember a damn thing when his attention was riveted on her?

How had Irvin persuaded Brook to dance? And why did the formerly gangly female have to move with grace foreign to a tomboy? How had she learned to move like that?

Who had taught her?

Never before had Morgan felt inclined to harm his uncle. But the hand inches below Brook’s flared hips should have been his, not Irvin’s. And never had he experienced the urge to drag a woman out by her hair.

The image of his fingers slicing through those spiked, cropped locks flared in his mind’s eye. He’d let the tips of his digits linger at her nape until she shivered with desire. Only when he’d drawn a reaction with the heat of his gaze would he slide the straps of her gown over her bare shoulders.

Morgan’s cock roused when Brook’s gaze met his across the dance floor. And she shivered. Deliberately he stepped to the wall rather than cut into their dance. He couldn’t be trusted. Laughable that, considering he was the most principled male he knew. Brook had always gotten him in the worst trouble.

His uncle sent a glance over his shoulder. Irvin’s lips quivered in the mere moment Morgan had seen his face. And then he was bent over Brook’s figure, whispering in her ear. Morgan’s chest tightened at the sight of them in the intimate embrace.

Brook jerked her head to the right. A shapely shoulder appeared beyond Irvin’s frame. As soon as Morgan had seen it, it disappeared behind his uncle’s body.

Frustration. Hers. He could feel it across the room without an empathic link. Morgan shot forward in time to hear her protesting.

“He’s a sitting duck alone over there and I don’t want to dance.”

“You were dancing peacefully while he stroked Mira,” Irvin said before he realized Morgan was within earshot.

Stroked Mira? Was the male trying to make Brook jealous? Morgan’s gaze switched to hers, eager to know if it had worked. Her eyes were narrow, but the emotion he noted when his empathic link snapped into place wasn’t jealousy. No, it was more irritation.

Brook Lochlan was one giant ball of vexation—a sexy ball in a slinky gown that left little to the imagination.

But she wasn’t Brook Lochlan any longer. How could he have forgotten she’d married?

He knew how. Morgan hadn’t wanted to remember. Lust had made him stupid.

“May I cut in?” he asked of his uncle now that he’d successfully iced his baser needs.

“If you must,” Irvin said with stiffness he ordinarily reserved for their opposition. “We were enjoying each other’s company.”

A glance at Brook merited no assistance. Her plump lips were set together as they often were, neither thinner nor poutier than normal. She’d been arguing when he’d arrived. But she wasn’t arguing now even though Irvin had lied.

Or had Morgan misunderstood what he’d overheard? It would have been easy, especially given how badly he’d wanted to believe she hadn’t been enjoying herself.

Still Morgan stepped into their space. Irvin released her waist and her hand and then moved with a mocking flourish to the left.

“Do try to enjoy the rest of the dance.” Irvin’s sardonic emphasis pointed out the fleeting moments left in the ensemble’s current piece. He sauntered into the crowd without a backward glance.

“You?” Morgan brought his head back to give her a once-over. The motion was meant to be feigned incredulousness—a mocking gesture she’d surely understand. Instead, Morgan had noted how the silky fabric of the gown skimmed her inner thighs far too closely. Lust he’d thought he’d conquered melted his brief, icy resolve.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she ground out before recognizing the scene they created. Brook stomped forward in her silver sandals. She grabbed hold of his hands, setting one to her waist and the other out to the side, exactly as he should have done.

It was an open invitation to touch her. And touch her he did, forming his fingers over her firm hip. Her breasts thrust between them, barely avoiding the brush of his chest. Morgan didn’t allow himself the pleasure of stepping forward to fix that.

“It means that you don’t like pretending,” he said when she cleared her throat in noisy impatience. “The old Brook Lochlan wouldn’t have said one thing and done another.”

“The old Brook Lochlan wasn’t a Ranger,” she said at a volume the vanilla humans wouldn’t hear. “She still doesn’t like pretending, but sometimes it’s required for the job. And what the crap am I doing speaking about myself in the third person? There is no Brook Lochlan anymore. There’s only me. Brook Calder.” Her profile swung away—an avoidance tactic.

“I never thought I’d see the day you’d be a married woman.”

Brook’s gaze snapped back, fixing on his probing eyes. Confusion. It wasn’t in her expression but he sensed it in her. He sensed everything—the frustration, the confusion, the resentment and the desire.

The link wobbled. Uncertainty. And then she opened her mouth. “I’m not married.”

Morgan experienced brief relief that he hadn’t been drooling over a married woman for days. Words tumbled from his mouth he’d not meant to ask her. “Is that against Ranger rules?”

She gave a mirthless laugh. “No.”

“Were you married?”

“Priest Seaton, the surname is my mother’s. I took it after my father died. You could have asked instead of fishing.”

“Fishing is what Water witches do best.”

“No, Water witches feel emotions best. And yours are all over the place. Focus on one. It will help you calm the others.”

“You don’t want me to focus on one, Brook.”

Her head tilted to the right, a weary expression that didn’t fit what he sensed from her. “You’re just going to have to fight it.”

“What if I don’t want to fight it?” He let his hand slip down her hip to her derrière. It clenched beneath his palm—a taut, wonderful bit of muscle he imagined gripping while he plunged into her repeatedly.

And then his hand headed up when he realized he’d brushed nothing beneath her gown. He searched for the band, for the line of elastic that had to circle her hips.

“What are you doing?” came her sharp voice when his fingers grazed up her hip to her waist.

Morgan leaned forward, setting his lips to her ear. “You wore panties, Brook, you had to.”

“In this thing? Are you crazy?” She tried to pull away but he clamped his arms around her waist, holding her where she was. “I didn’t have anything that wouldn’t show.”

Using her to hide the erection straining at his tuxedo slacks probably wasn’t the best of ideas. But it was her fault. “Neptune’s net, are you trying to drive me mad?”

“Of course not—”

He inhaled the brisk scent of her skin near his lips, barely resisting the urge to kiss the tender patch behind her ear. He believed her. It wasn’t simply that he experienced her indignation.

Brook wouldn’t intentionally try to seduce him. Morgan doubted she’d know the first thing about making a male lust after her. And that made him want her more.

“Next time you force me into formalwear, I’ll be sure to wear panties,” she said breathlessly.

“See that you do, or I guarantee you won’t be in your formalwear for long.”

Morgan shoved away from her, unable to stand her sweet heat, firm body and thrilling scent a moment longer. He didn’t look back no matter how badly he wanted to know if her nipples strained the fabric. Because if he did, he knew he’d drag her out by the hair exactly as he’d wanted to minutes earlier.

Author Bio:
Anya Breton is a web monkey with an obsession for nail polish and rubber chickens. Her fears include Peeps and people who hate clowns. She lives in the Midwest with her significant other.

Josslyn, is a widow that has been mourning the loss of her husband for the past 3 years. She has decided that it is time to let go and continue on with her life. In an attempt to fill the void she has had in her life, she joins a club that caters to something she has always wanted to try. She's always wanted to be dominated, her first time at the club, her husband's best friend spots her and quickly "comes to her rescue".

Dash is all alpha male. He is a dominate, not just in the bedroom but in his business life as well. He's had a longstanding crush on his best friend's wife, but has never acted on it. When he spots Joss with another Dom at the club, he quickly acts and tells her how he's always felt about her. The two come to an agreement that suits both their needs. Dash is an alpha male that knows exactly what he wants. He still has that soft side to him though, he wants to spoil his special someone. If you like alphas, you'll love Dash, I know I did.

Letting Go was steamy, but still managed to build a relationship between the characters. I've had issues in the past with erotic books, since I'm more of a relationship type of gal, but this one was exactly what I was looking for. My only complaint is the story harps a bit too much on the husband's death. I do understand why it mentions it, but I felt it continued to pop up. I enjoyed the characters, but I think my favorite was Dash. I'm in an alpha male type of mood it seems. Letting Go was a naughty read that I would recommend to readers looking for an entrance into this type of genre. I cannot wait to read another MBanks book.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

In her role as Aegis, Zoey Donovan has rescued and cared for hundreds of monsters and mythical creatures. Now humans are the ones in need of her help. Someone with a personal vendetta against the Board of Hidden Affairs has kidnapped all the other Aegises in the country--including Zoey's mother.

With the Hidden government in shambles and a string of deadly clues to follow, Zoey and her reaper boyfriend set out on a cross-country chase to stop the kidnapper from killing the captured Aegises. Along the way, they pick up a miniature golem who's on a quest to find his humanity...and may be the key to solving the grisly clues.

If Zoey succeeds in defeating this new evil, she'll finally be reunited with the mother she lost over twenty years ago. But if she fails, she'll become the final victim.

Why I am waiting:
I love this series, and I'm eagerly awaiting this book! Zoey is an empath, with a Reaper boyfriend. Can't wait to see what happens next.

People are dying mysteriously. The detective tasked with solving mysteries of the extra-inexplicable nature has spotted the same woman at every death. Thane is determined to track her down—especially since the voices he thought he’d gotten rid of start again each time he sees her. Reya was just doing her job as a Redeemer until the pesky detective got all up in her face, asking questions. Now he’s in danger and she’s been tasked with protecting him…from her ex. But this isn’t just another task that may balance the darkness in her soul, this could be a game changer for humanity. And Thane could be the key to it all.

This story had an interesting world/lore to it that is heavy on the philosophy. The writing is good and the heroine and hero clashing at the beginning is always something I enjoy. There’s a satisfying happy for now ending. I would have liked a little more focus on the romance and a little less on the stopping-evil-from-taking-over-the-world. But that’s just this romance-mad chick’s opinion. I give this 3.5 stars.

Monday, April 14, 2014

It was hard to pick which books to pick this week. There are quite a few that look amazing, let me know what book you'll be buying this week, even if I didn't feature it on my list.

The Collector - Nora Roberts
When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one...

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn’t capable of violence—against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Ash longs to paint her as intensely as he hungers to touch her. But their investigation draws them into a rarified circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away, and stolen, where what you possess is who you are, and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession...

A Promise of More - Bronwen Evans
When Beatrice Hennessey sets out to confront Lord Coldhurst, the notorious rogue who killed her brother in a duel, her intent is to save her family from destitution. She’s determined to blackmail the man into a loveless marriage. She’ll make the wealthy Lord Coldhurst pay for the rest of his life. But while greeting his ship, Beatrice takes a tumble into the Thames—only to be fished out by a pair of strong masculine arms that tempt her to stay locked in their heated embrace forever. That is, until she realizes those arms belong to Sebastian Hawkestone, Lord Coldhurst himself.

The little drowned mermaid has an interesting proposition indeed; one that Sebastian is surprised to find quite agreeable. Although he’s had women more beautiful, she is pleasing to the eye, and besides, it’s time he fathered an heir. Beatrice promises to be the ideal wife; a woman who hates him with an all-consuming passion is far too sensible to expect romance. However, it isn’t long before Sebastian’s plan for a marriage of convenience unravels, and he’s caught up in the exhilarating undertow of seduction.

Falling for Owen - Jennifer Ryan
Attorney by day, rancher by night Owen McBride conquered his dark past and made it his mission to help the innocent-even at the expense of a personal life. But when a client's abusive ex-husband targets Owen and his gorgeous neighbor Claire gets caught in the crossfire, his feelings turn anything but professional. The mysterious beauty awakens something in him, and he'll move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

Coffee shop owner Claire Walsh learned the hard way that handsome men aren't to be trusted. Owen may be sexy as hell and determined to take care of her, but she's reluctant to put her heart on the line. His presence in her life puts a target on her back, yet the more time she spends with him, the more she finds she can't help falling for Owen.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Once Upon a Billionaire - Jessica Clare
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success—at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…

As a member of the royal family in a small European country, Griffin Verdi’s presence is requested at the wedding of the century. The scholarly billionaire feels out of his depth in social situations, so a good assistant is required—especially when dealing with royal etiquette.

Unfortunately for Griffin, he’s stuck with Maylee Meriweather, a pretty, charming, and thoroughly unsuitable woman who doesn’t know a thing about high society—but she sure can kiss. Her lack of polish may sink Griffin, because after all, even his money can’t buy class. But through Maylee’s eyes, he’s starting to appreciate the simple things in life—if simple means the most complicated woman he’s ever met.

Maylee is everything Griffin isn’t—and everything he wants—if he can let down his guard and step outside his sheltered world...

A World without Princes - Soman Chainani
When Agatha secretly wishes she’d chosen a different happy ending, she reopens the gates to the School for Good and Evil. But the world she and Sophie once knew has changed.

Witches and princesses, warlocks and princes are no longer enemies. New bonds are forming; old bonds are being shattered. But underneath this uneasy arrangement, a war is brewing and a dangerous enemy rises. As Agatha and Sophie battle to restore peace, an unexpected threat could destroy everything, and everyone, they love—and this time, it comes from within.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Erica is a plus sized human mechanic that is skilled at her job. Surprised with a broken down Ferrari, and a rich playboy, Erica has a challenge on her hands. Add in that her shop isn't seeing as much business as it needs to and the business it does see has mysterious issues popping up gives Erica a lot to deal with. I liked Erica's character, but she does need to stand up for herself more. Her sister takes advantage of her and isn't the nicest person. Erica just kind of takes it rather than stand up for herself.

Drew Haizea is an Air witch that is coddled in every bit of his life. His mother is tired of him being a deadbeat and marks him as a rogue which allows other witches to kill him on sight, though few would dare. Without the rogue status being lifted, Drew must man up and dodge the assassins that are out to get him. I was intrigued to see if he could put aside his selfishness and help someone else, his character seemed like he would take the easy way out.

While this is book two in the series, this can be read as a standalone. I'm a fan of witch stories, so I thought it was unique that the male was the witch while the female was human. Toss in that the main character being plus sized makes this story different from the others in this genre. I love ABreton's writing, if you're a fan of paranormal books with romance you'll enjoy Sweetly Bad.